table of contents
Tom Banton has decided to put his first-class career on hold, with the Gujarat Titans batsman signing a new limited overs contract with Somerset until the end of the 2028 season. The decision marks a major change in the 27-year-old’s career as he looks to prioritize white-ball cricket amid a fast-paced international and franchise schedule.
Tom Banton was once considered one of England’s most talented red-ball players and rewrote Somerset’s record books by scoring a historic 371 against Worcestershire in 2025. However, after extensive discussions with the county management, explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton has decided that the best way to proceed at this stage of his career is to focus solely on white-ball cricket.
Tom Banton has put his first-class career on hold
Tom Banton’s previous contract with Somerset was due to expire at the end of the current season, but the county have secured his services on a new deal which will keep him at the club until 2028. However, the new agreement only covers limited overs cricket, with England internationals sidelined from the County Championship for the foreseeable future.
The decision has been taken after a challenging period in red-ball cricket. After his record-breaking triple century at the start of the previous season, Banton managed to score only one half-century in his next 16 first-class innings. He has also missed County Championship action this year.
Despite his decision, Somerset’s director of cricket Andy Hurry made it clear that the club fully supports Tom Banton’s choice.
“We respect Tom’s decision to focus on maximizing his white-ball development and we look forward to him continuing to be an integral part of our limited-overs success.”
Before the move away from red-ball cricket, Tom Banton compiled a respectable first-class record despite being better known for his explosive white-ball batting.
In 52 first-class matches, the right-handed batsman scored 2,758 runs in 84 innings at an average of 34.47, including four centuries and 14 half-centuries. Tom Banton’s first-class numbers also underline his naturally attacking style. He hit 349 fours and 32 sixes, showing his ability to score runs quickly even in the longest format.
Red-ball cricket has played a huge role in developing my game – Tom Banton
While Tom Banton is stepping away from first-class cricket for the time being, he insists it was not an easy decision given the role red-ball cricket has played in shaping his career.
Banton said, “I am delighted to extend my stay with Somerset, although it has been a really difficult decision as red-ball cricket has played a huge role in developing my game and some of my best memories have come in the County Championship.”
“The win over Surrey at home a few years ago [in late 2024] It was a lot of fun, and getting the club’s highest first-class score is something I’m really proud of.
“I know how much the County Championship means to our members and supporters and I am not permanently closing the door on four-day cricket. My decision comes after very open and cordial discussions with Andy Hurey. [director of cricket] and jason kerr [head coach] For quite some time.
“Given the demands and challenges of playing across all formats and moving between them, I believe focusing on white-ball cricket is the right approach for me at this stage of my career.”
Tom Banton’s Gujarat Titans tour and IPL links
Banton returned to the IPL this year after an absence of four seasons when Gujarat Titans bought him for his base price of Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. However, he failed to make a single appearance before being ruled out of the tournament due to a finger injury.
GT later signed South African wicketkeeper-batsman Connor Esterhuizen as his replacement for Rs 75 lakh. Esterhuizen comes off the back of an impressive start to his international career, scoring 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of nearly 146 during South Africa’s T20I series against New Zealand.
Before joining Gujarat Titans, Banton had featured in just two IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2021 season. Away from the IPL, he continues to establish himself as one of England’s premier white-ball batsmen, while Somerset will hope that his full focus on the shorter formats will help the club defend their T20 Blast title and gain momentum in the competition.
